The Olive Branch

July 2012

Olive Branch Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Richard D. Cline, minister Pat Dressler, secretary Web Address: www.ob-cc.org 757-566-8077 (office) Office Email Address: obcc1833@gmail.com

Where Did Summer Go?

I can’t believe that I am writing the pastor’s piece for the July newsletter! July is the peak month for activities, a time for beach trips, vacations, July 4th cookouts, and the hot and hazy, lazy days of summer. But it is also the midpoint, when we start to realize that half of our fun in the sun time has ended. Where did the time go? That is the question, isn’t it? The passage of time leaves marks upon all things, including us. One would think we would notice its loss sooner than we do. You would think the additional winkles and the increase in gray hair would have done it. It took having children and watching them go from birth to graduation in the blink of an eye for me to realize that time is one thing that I have less of each passing day. When my oldest daughter, Noel, graduated from college in May of this year, I wrote her a letter about time. It was good therapy for me. Here is part of what I said:

Time is a funny thing. There are moments when time moves so slowly, when the hands of the clock seem to take forever to turn. And then there are moments when time moves quickly, much too quickly, just like a snap of the fingers. Yet be it slow or fast, there is one thing we can be assured of: time never stands still. I don’t know where the time has gone since I first held you in my arms on August 24, 1990. I remember my red curly haired little girl playing on the tire swing, learning to ride a bike, watching Barney and Friends, getting on the bus the first day of school, doing

school projects together, watching you yell out your cheers, tasting your cake recipes, coming to your plays, cheering for you in tennis, helping you move into your dorm room at North Carolina State, crying as I left the campus, helping you move out of your dorm at North Carolina State, helping you move into your housing at William and Mary…once, twice, three times; sending you off to intern in New York, and now soon to watch you graduate and begin the next exciting stage of your life. Where did those almost 22 years go? Perhaps it has not seemed so quick to you. But please heed a little bit of advice from your old Dad. Time is a funny thing. It never stands still. So with the days that we have the best thing we can do is to live each day with intention and purpose. Don’t hide your emotions. Live your life always making a place for God. Love deeply, laugh often, hug your family and friends, and be true to yourself. I know that I am bias, but you are an incredible young woman who has taught me something about life. The day you entered the world my life changed. And believe me, it has changed for the better. The God above blessed me with the opportunity to be your father. And that is one title I will always claim with pride. Time never stands still. But don’t let time be an excuse for failing to have the relationships you should have with the people that mean the most to you. Don’t let time pass by without seeking a deeper relationship with the God who first gave us life, and His son who showed how that life could and should be lived. Make a place for God in your lives, and love deeply, laugh often, and always have room for hugs. For when all is said and done, the quality of our lives will not be judged by what we accumulated, possessed, or owned – but by how deeply we loved and were loved.

Blessings, Richard

Remember Independence Day!

Fly our Nation’s Flag!

Wednesday, July 4, 2011 Independence Day honors the birthday

of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

It is the “BIRTHDAY” of these great United States of America!

It's a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks, and a reason to fly the American flag.

Show your love of our country…“Fly our Flag” from sunup to sundown.

The following scriptures will be used during the Sunday worship in July. The underlined passages are the primary passages for Pastor Richard’s sermons.

July 1 2 Corinthians 8:7-15; Psalm 130 July 8 2 Corinthians 4:7-11; Jeremiah 19:1-4; 10-11a July 15 Psalm 24; Amos 7:7-9 July 22 Mark 6:30-44; Jeremiah 23:1-6 July 29 Luke 1:46-53; Jeremiah 33:14-16

Dear Church Family,

Thank you for your prayers, cards, visits and great food during the time of Gail's foot surgery and recovery. We feel truly blessed to be a part of such a loving and caring church. Our son's surgery went well and he is back at work. Thank you for your prayers for his surgery and recovery.

Love, Gail and Bob Key

Get Ready for a Fun Summer Sunday School Program

Sunday School for our children and youth

will last through September 2nd (Labor Day). Lots of fun activities are being planned!

Christy Jensen & Missy Harbour Youth Ministry Advocates

SERVING IN JULY

Elders

July 1 Hunter Creech, Fred Rothermel July 8 Doug Dill, Ralph Hutton July 15 Jim Thacker, Kim Riffle July 22 Norm Harbour, Missy Harbour July 29 Bob Key, Gail Key

Deacons

July 1 Marci Millican, Dennis Williams Harold McKeel, Lucy Hall July 8 Tracy Hutton, Tonya Meadows Roy Sullivan, Ellen Sullivan July 15 Don Morse, Norman Hall Mike Ayers, Maralyn Carr July 22 Sean Gormus, Dawn Gormus Lewis Williams, Sheila Yeatts July 29 Danny Pitts, Elna Pitts Michael Heslink, Emily Friend

Acolytes

July 1 8:30/11:00 Lauren Ries, Todd Meadows July 8 8:30/11:00 Zach Cooper, Haley Creech July 15 8:30/11:00 Bryant Walker, Patrick Gormus July 22 8:30/11:00 Angelica Poland, Curtis Morse July 29 8:30/11:00 Kelsey Creech, Kayla Walker

Deaconess

Phyllis Gardner

Kid’s Club

July 1 Tonya Meadows July 8 Edie Larkin July 15 Tracie Hutton July 22 Marney Brickhouse July 29 Nancy Sheppard

HOMEBOUND

Tommy Hoar, Audrey White

Church Family: Murray & Paulette Moyce, Grace Hatfield, Lena Jeffries, Pat Allred, Jimmy Allred & family, Jesse Hall, Nancy Cates, Russell & Sarah Waid, Bruce Kerr, Judy Biggs, Helen Pruitt, Jerry Ainsworth, Dave & Bonnie Willard, Patty Neary, Paula Thacker, Lucy Hall, Robert Wilkins, Paul Biggs, Brittney Kidd, Janice Floyd, Duie Brantley, Richard & Barbara Thiel, Janet Fletcher, Gail Key, Norma Stockton, and Kim Trexler. Family and Friends: William Phares, Jr., Bob & Betty Millican, Bill Perkins, Eric Siemon (Marney Brickhouse’s son), Trevor Waite (Ellen Waite’s grandson), Jan McGinnis, Bertha Shaw, Tim McKinny (close friend of the Duke’s), Christina Vitek (Irma & Bob Gustafson’s 6-year old granddaughter), Eddie Ratcliffe, Sarah Kerr (Bruce and Carol Kerr's granddaughter), Peggy Dickens (Vicki Anderson's sister), Joyce Parker (Judy Eley’s aunt), Don & Linda Patten (friends of Keeta Hodson), Thomas Wynne, Karen Dutton, Karen Evans, Gary Sullivan (Roy & Ellen Sullivan’s son), Kelly Hipple, Amy Johnson, David Barrow, Iris Reeder (Nancy Griffith’s sister), Sheri Jones Vaughan, Freddie Jones, Scott Edwards, Mary Jane Guynn, Susan Hovemeyer (Debbie Johns’ sister) & her husband Chuck, Shelton Edwards (Vickie Anderson’s nephew), Dale Head (friend of Linda Mason), Rosevelt Rogers (friend of Gene & Cheryl Johnson), Allison Hawthorne (Pat Dressler’s niece), Lisa Pipkin (friend of Missy Harbour), Joann Mitchell, and the men & women in our Armed Forces. NOTE: To add or remove a person’s name from the Prayer List, please contact the church office at 757-566-8077.

Christian Women’s Fellowship

Notes from CWF President

Thanks to everyone at OBCC for rising to the occasion when our Colombian visitors came to see us. They were so impressed by the warmth and caring shown to them and could not get over how we all help each other as well as joining with another church, "Our Saviors Lutheran Church", for a mission project. The evening of Blue Grass was a benefit for Robert Gundaker, a navy veteran and member of the Mattaponi Indian tribe. Thanks to all the ladies who baked cookies and special thanks to Shelia Yeatts and Shirley Harrison for hosting the event. We collected $602.00 and another $359.00 was given through a special fund at the Lutheran church. This will go a long way to help the expenses to complete a home for Robert. I would like to say another special thanks to Elaine and Ronnie Henk for hosting our missionaries at Interlude. Again, our visitors could not say enough about the abundance of Christian love and giving they received. As many of you know, we have our annual “Fashion Show/Luncheon" in October and one of our special projects for this event is the raffling off of a beautiful quilt and a lovely hand-made afghan. Look for pictures and more details in the August newsletter. Summer is upon us and vacation plans abound. Please travel safely and enjoy all that you see and do. God has created a beautiful world worth all the sharing and caring we can give it.

God Bless You Always.

Marney Brickhouse CWF President

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Tuesday Morning Circle: There will be a Circle meeting on Tuesday, July 10th, at 11:45 a.m. at Interlude. All Olive Branch ladies are invited to join together for bible study, fellowship, and good food.

Hope to see you there. Donna Haulsee Circle Leader

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JULY

2 Brenda White 6 J. R. Powell Richard Cline 7 Robbi Hutton Chuck Walker 8 Elizabeth Jones 9 Bob Key 11 Dawn Gormus 13 Haley Creech 14 Richard Bradshaw 16 Carolyn Hunt 18 Jacob Hammack 20 Paula Thacker Bonnie Willard 21 Ralph Hutton 22 Mike Ayers 23 Dave Wolverton 25 Roy Henk 28 Donald White

31 Lawrence Bradshaw Jason Waltrip

John Waltrip NOTE: If you have not seen your birthday listed, and would like it included, please contact the office.

July 1 The Bradshaws July 8 AVAILABLE July 15 The Floyds July 22 AVAILABLE July 29 AVAILABLE NOTE: Please note all the “available”

Sundays for this month!

If you wish to donate flowers for the Sanctuary, sign up by the appropriate week (PLEASE PRINT). You are asked to bring your flowers and place them on the floor in front of the communion table by 8:00 a.m. on your Sunday.

Notes from the Wild Side…

School is out for the summer, so all those rising 6th graders are now invited to join our meetings. We will be hosting a car wash sometime in August, keep a look out for our signs. In September we will be having a bake sale and drink sale for an event at York River State Park. I will be needing volunteers to make lots of baked goods. We will be meeting July 1, 15, and 29. We look forward to a great summer.

CHECK us OUT On FACEBOOK!!

Courtney Holt and Abby Matschke

Notice to Bell/Chime Choir We will resume practice Thursday, August 23rd at 7:00 p.m. The date changed because we had a few members that couldn’t attend the practice as scheduled. See you all then.

Regards Bob Schmidt

Update from the

Program Planning Team Advocates

“The Necessity of Evangelism”

As I write this I am preparing to go to Murfreesboro, N. C. for my 50th Class Reunion. As I "walk down Memory Lane" I'm reminded once again of the many teachers who helped to influence and mold my life. Some stand out more than others as they were as concerned about my spiritual growth as they were about the subject matter that was required by academia. "Miss Grace" was my G. A. (Girls' Auxiliary) leader and led the Opening Exercise for Sunday School. "Miss Ruby" had been a Baptist Missionary to Hungary and shared much about the culture of that country with our class. We had to commit to memory the 1st. Psalm which we recited at the beginning of each school day. In high school we had a stern Quaker teacher, Mrs. Littrell, who obviously loved the Lord but not nonsense! I am most thankful for these teachers/saints that God placed in my life at a tender, formative age. I am grateful to all the adults in my life who shared God's love with me and it is my heart's desire to "Pass It On" as the song goes. That's how those around us may come to know Jesus, as we share His love with them.

Louise Smith PPT Evangelism Advocate

Church World Service The Tools and Blankets Program is a

Church World Service special mission opportunity that involves all ages. Some 8,000 congregations and groups across the United States hold Tools & Blankets events. From something as simple as a blanket, amazing things can happen…with your help.

On Sunday, May 13th, which was Mother’s Day, Olive Branch honored all mothers by donating $ 705.00 for the “BLANKETS” part of this program.

On Sunday, June 17th, which was Father’s Day, Olive Branch honored all fathers by donating $ 870.00 toward the “TOOLS” part of this program; a grand total of $ 1, 575.00!

Many, many thanks for your thoughtfulness and generosity to help others in need.

Sheila Yeatts

"Christmas in July" and 5th Sunday Luncheon ... July 29th “Operation Christmas Child” season is about to begin—on July 29th the church will be decorated for Christmas! The Christmas tree will be up to put our gift-filled shoe boxes under, so bring in those “shoe boxes” filled with goodies. These gifts of joy also represent opportunities for children to experience God’s love and hear the “Good News” of Jesus Christ. On July 1st, there will be brochures handed out to tell the “5” easy steps, gift suggestions, box labels, and a donation envelope. Your gifts enable Samaritan’s Purse to share the Good News of God’s greatest gift—His Son, Jesus Christ—with boys and girls who need to know how much Jesus loves them.

Help us celebrate “Christmas in July” by joining in the food, fun, and fellowship in the New Fellowship Hall following the 11:00 a.m. worship service (only 1 service as usual on 5th Sundays).

The luncheon menu will include ham, mac & cheese, salad with fresh vegetables, drinks, and pie and ice cream for dessert.

Don't bring a thing ... just come! In His Name,

Sheila Yeatts

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Global Ministries Visits Olive Branch

In June our congregation received some special treats, as Global Ministries Partners from the countries of Columbia and India visited our church. On June 10th the Peace Commission of the Evangelical Church of Columbia, accompanied by Global Ministries missionary Michael Joseph, visited our community. The members of the commission were Pablo Moreno, Pedro Acosta, Mary Luz Correa, and Jenny Neme. They were in Virginia to attend the Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in order to establish a partnership with the Virginia Region and its churches. An important part of building that partnership is through relationships with congregations and individuals, and the visitors were able to do just that as they attended a Blue Grass Music Festival fundraiser at our church, as well as worshipping with us in church.

On June 17th Dr. Anil Henry, his wife Teresa, and their children attended our worship services. Anil and Teresa serve as missionaries for The Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ. Our financial support of missions contributes to their ministry at the Christian Hospital in Mungeli, India. Teresa serves as an anesthesiologist, and Anil as the medical director. We were thrilled to hear their report on the important and vital work they are performing through the Synodical Board of Health Services of the Church of North India.

What wonderful work is being done to

bring glory to God in our world! Thank you for your support of these important missions!

Richard

Christmas In July

On July 29 we will have our second Christmas In July worship service. Last year's celebration was wonderful, and this year's will be more of the same! We will be greeted with a sanctuary decorated with all our traditional items: a Chrismon Tree, garlands, wreaths, and candles. Our worship will center on the Christmas scriptures, and we will sing the traditional hymns of the season. And because it will be a fifth Sunday, there will be only the 11:00 a.m. service, followed by our Fifth Sunday Fellowship Meal. You will not want to miss it!

As to how Christmas in July got started, the earliest official celebration was in July 1933 at Camp Keystone, a girl’s summer camp outside of Asheville, North Carolina. A camper told how her family did not observe Christmas, and how she wished that, for once, she could be part of that day. In response to her wish the staff and other campers gathered on that day to share gifts, to sing their favorite Christmas carols, and to remember the special gift of God’s son to the world by hearing once more the words of the Angels to the shepherds: “For unto you is born this day…a savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Jesus Christ is also called ‘Emmanuel,’ which literally means ‘God with us.’ That is the good news of the incarnation, that God through Jesus Christ has entered our world and our lives and dwells (literally, makes his home) among us. Sometimes it is hard to hear that message, with all the secular distractions that fill our lives in December. Yet it needs to be told again and again. So why not in July? We will also bring our gifts for Operation Christmas Child to be placed under the Chrismon tree, as gifts for the Christ Child, and all children in need in our world.

Holly Grove Christian Church Revival

For several years Pastor Richard has preached the revival sermon at Holly Grove Christian Church in Louisa County. This year the Olive Branch Choir will also be in attendance, sharing their gift of music during the service. The revival will take place on July 29, beginning at 5:00 with Bluegrass and Gospel Music, dinner at 6:00, and then the revival service at 7:00. Holly Grove is a wonderful church, and has had a connection with Pastor Richard ever since he served as their interim minister. If you would like to support the Olive Branch Choir and Pastor, and build relationships with another Disciple congregation, why don't you come along with us? We will be leaving at 3:30 from the church parking lot. Holly Grove's address is:

Holly Grove Christian Church 1637 Holly Grove Drive

Bumpass, VA 23024

The Olive Branch

ARE YOU READY? Vacation Bible School starts July 23rd! Whether you are 4 or 74, there are VBS classes for you! Remember that dinner is served for all VBS participants each evening starting at 5:30 p.m. in the New Fellowship Hall. The program begins at 6:05 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The adults will remain in the New Fellowship Hall for their class. Each night of VBS, you will be going on a journey with Jesus to see mighty trees, sing fun songs, meet interesting animals, including Humphrey the Hippo, and prepare and enjoy jungle snacks. Early Registration is going on now through July 12th. Registering early will guarantee your spot. Registrations submitted after July 12th will be accepted as space allows. Kids, have your parents go to our church website (www.ob-cc.org) and register online. It only takes about 2 minutes! Included in this newsletter is a hard copy form that can also be completed and submitted to the church office. Feel free to contact Jess Morse, VBS Coordinator, at #757-947-4300, or <morsejessm@gmail.com>, for more information.

OLIVE BRANCH CHRISTIAN CHURCH

2012 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Registration Form

JULY 23 - JULY 27 (Monday-Friday) 5:30 p.m.—Dinner 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.—Program

Form must be completed and submitted to church office or online (www.ob-cc.org) by 7/12/12 in order to guarantee a spot.

PLEASE NOTE:

The VBS Program includes a session designed for children 3 to 13 and a separate adult class. Preschool-aged children should have some experience in daycare, preschool, and/or Sunday School,

so that they are comfortable separating from their parent/caregiver. If you register after the deadline of 7/13, there is no guarantee you will be able to participate as

there are limited spots. This registration form is for a(n): ____ Child/Youth ____ Adult Name: ____________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________ City, Zip Phone Numbers: Home: ________________ Cell: ______________________ Email (used only for communication related to VBS):______________________________________ Parent’s Name (for participants 13 and younger): _______________________________________ Emergency Contact Name and Phone Number (if different from parent): __________________________________________________________________ Age (not necessary for adult class): _______ Rising Grade: _____________

PLEASE SEE BACK PAGE. Church you currently attend: ________________________________________________________ Note: If you do not have a church at this time, you are always welcome to join us at Olive Branch. Medical: To make sure your child’s VBS experience is a safe and happy one, we would appreciate any necessary information regarding medical conditions, allergies, etc. None: __________ Yes (explain): ______________________________________________

DROP-OFF AND DISMISSAL INFORMATION Dinner will be served each evening promptly at 5:30 p.m. in the New Fellowship Hall. Small children must be accompanied by an adult. Family members are welcome to eat dinner with their child each evening. The Program will start at 6:00 pm in the New Fellowship Hall and will conclude by 8:00 pm. Please plan to pick up your children at 8:00 pm in front of the Education Building. In case of delay, please call us so that we may be prepared. Church Office Phone Number: (757) 566-8077.

Name and phone number of person picking up your child/children (if different from above):

__________________________________________________________________

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS: Parents who wish to volunteer to help in some capacity please provide contact information. __________________________________________________________________

I also understand that photographs may be taken during activities of VBS that may include my child.

_____________________________________________ ________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Thanks in advance for allowing your child/children to share in this Vacation Bible School experience. We hope that it will be fulfilling as well as uplifting. Jess Morse, Director Cell Phone: (757) 947-4300 Church Office Phone Number: (757) 566-8077

The Olive Branch

Hey, Kids!! This is YOUR

page in “The Olive Branch”, and will be included in each newsletter.

GETTING AWAY FROM

IT ALL Have you ever taken a vacation? Have you ever gone to the mountains? It is so very quiet and peaceful there…you see beautiful trees, lakes and rivers, many different animals; and hear many quiet sounds…bubbling noises made by the waters in rivers and streams, birds chirping, the wind in the trees, small animals running through the leaves in the fall when the leaves are on the ground. The “quietness” helps you to rest.

Everyone needs to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For parents it may mean they need a break from work. Even children need to get away from school work and all the activities they are involved in. We all need to get away and rest; it helps us to do better when we go back to work and school.

Did you know that even Jesus said that we sometimes need to take time off to catch up on our rest? One day the disciples went to Jesus and told him how busy they were…teaching and ministering to the needs of the people. “There have been so many people coming and going that we sometimes don’t have enouth time to stop and eat,” they told Jesus. “Come with me to a quiet place so that you can get some rest,” Jesus said to the disciples. So the Bible tells us tht they got in a boat and went away with Jesus to a quiet place. LET’S PRAY: Dear Father, we thank you for work, for play, and for school. We also thank you for those times when we can get away from it all—and get some rest. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Scripture: The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. Mark 6:30-32 (NIV)

The Olive Branch

The Olive Branch

The Olive Branch published by Olive Branch Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 7643 Richmond Road P. O. Box 190 Norge, VA 23127-0190 (757) 566-8077 Address Service Requested

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